Instead they sunk to the lowest ebb for an opening episode since 2006.

An average of 8.1 million people tuned in - down by a third on last year.

The alarming dive had show chiefs scrambling for explanations - blaming the slump on weather conditions.

“The X Factor launched on the hottest day of the year, and its audience was still over double that of the next nearest programme. We have a great series ahead, with some fantastic talent to look forward to.”